This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
  • 2. 10:30 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
  • 3. 12:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 4. 12:30 Lunch at Yamashita Honki Udon
  • 5. 13:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 6. 15:00 Akihabara
  • 7. 15:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
  • 8. 16:10 Dismissal at Asakusa Station

What Is a Private First-Day Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and it was their first time in Japan, with their main goal being to ski in Hokkaido. I guided them according to the requests received in advance, and we were able to complete the itinerary almost exactly as planned. The weather was also favorable, and I believe they thoroughly enjoyed their first day in Japan. For lunch, they seemed torn between ramen and udon, but in the end they decided on udon. They were a very close and cheerful group who smiled throughout the day, and it was a pleasure for me to guide them while enjoying it myself.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Section 3SubwayShibuya~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
Section 4TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Akihabara330JPY
Section 5SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Total1,050JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…